JOSEPHINE V. DUNCAN AUGUST 4, 1919~DECEMBER 18, 2012 Josephine passed away peacefully at Riverside Community Hospital after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Cecil and beloved friend, Rose Mullere. She is survived by Rose's family who loved her dearly and knew her for over 50 years as "Aunt Jo." Originally from the Oklahoma oil fields where she grew up playing baseball with oil field workers and learning to swim in a 40,000 gallon railroad water tower perched 20 feet above the tracks, she came to Riverside 57 years ago to teach high school physical education. Jo was an excellent athlete and was an avid sports fan who watched hours of football, Angel baseball and Laker Basketball. After earning her credential in student counseling, she continued with RUSD for over 30 years, retiring in 1985 as a respected counselor/student-advocate from North High School. Upon finishing her formal education at the University of Oklahoma, she enlisted in the Navy and used her physical education talents to instruct female Naval Officers how to swim and defend themselves. Not wanting to have a lowly seaman apprentice instruct their young officers, the Navy determined that Jo should be given the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. Following her retirement from active duty, she remained in the Naval Reserve while teaching/ counseling in Riverside and eventually left the reserve as a Lieutenant Commander. Although Jo never married, she leaves behind many loving neighbors, friends, former students, caregivers and teaching colleagues who will long remember this warm, caring woman. Rest in Peace, Jo- job well done. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to John W. North High School in Josephine's name. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 12/27/12, at 10am at First United Methodist Church, 4845 Brockton Ave. Riverside. Interment to follow at Olivewood Memorial park. Arrangements entrusted to Acheson & Graham Mortuary (951) 688-1221 www.achesonandgraham.com
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